Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO
Local Obituaries for the Week of Feb. 12, 2003

Hallie Marie Abney
Hallie Marie Abney was born Wednesday, May 28, 1913, at Huzzah, Mo., a
daughter of the late George Orvel Bays and Bertha Estelle (Huitt) Bays.
She entered eternal rest Friday, January 31, 2003, at the Stonecrest
Healthcare, Viburnum, Mo., at the age of 89 years, 8 months and 3 days.
On March 10, 1934, at Goodwater, Mo., Hallie was united in marriage to
Billy Smith Abney, son of Walter and Bertha (Huff) Abney. Two sons, Devound
and Kenneth, were born to this union. They enjoyed 68 years together,
before his death, April 15, 2002.
In addition to her parents and Smith, she was preceded in death by three
sisters, Leona Bays, Fern Lint and Mabel Abney, one brother, Jewel Bays;
brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ray Mincher, Earl Abney, Ellison and
Ivie Abney.
Among those who remain to mourn her passing are her two devoted sons,
Devound Abney and wife Erma and Kenneth Abney of Viburnum, Mo.; two
sisters, Gulenia Mincher of Cuba, Mo., Hester Hutson and husband Harry of
St. Louis, Mo. and brother-in-law Charles Lint of Steelville, Mo.
Eight grandchildren, Rickey Abney and wife Debbie of Florida, Michael Abney
and wife Robby of Viburnum, Mo., Debbie and husband Randy Skasick of Cuba,
Mo., Kevin Abney and wife Kim of Davisville, Mo., Jeff Abney of Steelville,
Mo., Ron Abney and wife Jenny of Owensville, Mo., Randy Abney of Fort Polk,
Louisiana and Robin Abney of Iowa.
Ten great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren; nieces, nephews,
cousins, other relatives and many friends.
Hallie Marie Abney lay in state 3-8 p.m. Sunday, February 2, 2003 at the
Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo. Funeral services were held 1
p.m. Monday, February 2, 2003, in the Britton Chapel with Rev. Cletis
Nicholas and Rev. Ken Wirtmiller officiating. Geraldine and Larry Sherrill
provided musical selections.
Committal prayers and interment were in Lower Indian Creek Cemetery,
Viburnum, Mo. Serving as pallbearers were Kevin Abney, Michael Abney, Sr.,
Michael Abney, Jr., Randy Abney, Ron Abney and Randy Skasick.
Arrangements were under the direction of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville,
Mo.

Dorothy Geraldine Boesing
Dorothy Geraldine Boesing nee Claspill of Cuba, Mo. was born May 17, 1920
to the union of Elmer and Maude Claspill nee Flagg and passed away on
January 28, 2003 at the Phelps County Regional Medical Center, Rolla, Mo.
at the age of 82 years, 8 months and 11 days.
Dorothy was happily married to Lawrence Boesing until he preceded her in
death.
Two sons, Larry and Bobby Boesing; three brothers, Buck, Jessie, and Billy
Claspill; and one sister, Pat Dillows, also preceded her in death.
She is survived by one daughter Cindy Boesing; two daughters-in-law Joann
and Rose Boesing; three sisters Virginia Schmidt, Mildred Kasesser, and
Irene Middleton; nine grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great
grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.
Dorothy was a devoted wife, loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend
to all who knew her and will be sadly missed.
Memorial services were held at the Britton Chapel, Cuba, Mo. on Wednesday,
February 5, 2003 at 6 p.m. with Rev. Roger Schnakenberg officiating.
All arrangements were under the direction of the Britton Funeral Home of
Cuba, Mo.

Albert Ross Breece
Albert Ross Breece was born Tuesday, March 5, 1912, at St. Louis, Mo., the
son of the late Franklin Breece and Ida Isabella Breece (nee Sincelia). He
entered eternal life Wednesday, February 5, 2003, in the Phelps County
Regional Medical Center, Rolla, Mo., at the age of 90 years and 11 months.
On December 8, 1934, at noon in Steelville, Mo., at the home of Rev. Jesse
Ivy, Albert was united in marriage to Thelma Maxine Brand. Two daughters,
Sharon and Patsy, and one son, Roland, were born to this union. They
enjoyed sixty-six years together, before her death, March 6, 2000.
In addition to his parents, and his loving wife Thelma, he was preceded in
death by two brothers, Lawrence and Frankie Breece, one sister Dorothy
Breece and three infant siblings.
Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Floy and Ozella Brand, LeeRoy and Cecil
Brand, George and Marilee Brand, Helen and Richard Winters, Virginia and
Albert Haslower, Ralph Kehr, Walter Whittington, Amy and Earl Nichols,
Hazel and Manson Munro and grandson, Mitchel Thomas Jones, also preceded
him in death.
Among those who remain to mourn his passing are his daughters, Sharon and
husband David Leslie of Steelville, Mo., Patsy and husband Ken Lanham of
St. Clair, Mo.; one son, Roland and his wife Fran of Leslie, Mo.; two
brothers, Arnold Breece and wife Millie of Lacy, Washington and Louis
Breece of St. Louis, Mo.; two sisters, Mary and husband Wayne Shockley of
Granite City, Illinois and Mildred Woods of Dallas, Texas.
Three sisters-in-law, Delight Kehr of Steelville, Mo., Norma Whittington of
Phoenix, Arizona and Mary Breece of St. Louis, Mo.; ten grandchildren, four
step-grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, two
great-great-grandchildren, and other relatives and many friends, who will
remember him as a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.
Albert was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He always
enjoyed reading, painting was a passion, he loved raising and working in
his flower garden, and he loved being around his children and his
grandchildren.
He served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He was
entitled to wear the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon, two Overseas
Bars and the Victory Ribbon.
Albert Ross Breece lay in state 6-8 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2003 at the
Britton Brothers Funeral Home, Steelville, Mo.
Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2003, in the
Britton Chapel with Rev. Leslie Koerber and Rev. Donald Wissmann
officiating.
Committal prayers and interment were in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Steelville,
Mo. Serving as pallbearers were Ronald Breece, Ken Lanham, David Leslie,
Jay, Kevin and Mike Jones. Military honors were given at graveside by the
presentation of the flag.
Arrangements wee under the direction of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville,
Mo.

Florence Rose Gassmann
Florence Rose Gassmann nee Brown of Cuba, Mo. was born on January 22, 1916
at Owensville, Mo. to the union of William Allen Brown and Annie Jett Brown
and passed away on February, 1, 2003 at the Phelps County Regional Medical
Center of Rolla, Mo. at the age of 87 years, 9 months.
On April 30, 1938 Florence was united in marriage to Henry C. Gassmann at
St. Louis, Mo. Two sons, John and Russell, and three daughters, Rosemary,
Rosalie and Mary Jane were born to this union. Florence and Henry were
happily married for 51 years until he preceded her in death.
Florence has made her home in Cuba for some time. She was a member of the
Woodmen of the World of St. Louis, Mo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Mary Jane Willey,
five brothers and three sisters.
Those who survive to mourn her passing from this life are her two sons John
Gassmann and wife Angela and Russell Gassmann and wife Debbie; two
daughters, Rosemary Mesey and husband Roy and Rosalie Schaefer; 11
grandchildren; many great grandchildren; one great great grandson; nieces;
nephews; other relatives and friends.
Florence was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister, good
friend to all who knew her and will be sadly missed.
Florence Rose Gassmann nee Brown was in state at the Britton Funeral Home
of Cuba, Mo. where funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 4, 2003
at 10 a.m. with Walter Heyer officiating. Interment was in the St. Charles
Memorial Gardens, St. Charles, Mo. All arrangements were under the
direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Mo.

Wilbert Guffey
Wilbert Guffey of Cuba, Mo. was born on December 5, 1927 in St. Louis, Mo.
to the union of Wilbert Minton Guffey and Daisy (Cummings) Guffey and
passed away on February 4, 2003 at his home near Cuba, Mo. at the age of 75
years, 1 month and 29 days.
On July 17, 1948 Wilbert was united in marriage to Geraldine McNiff at
Piggott, Arkansas. Two sons, William and Terrence and three daughters,
Michelle, Kathleen and Dawn, were born to this union. They have been
happily married for 54 years.
Wilbert served in the United States Navy during World War II and was
honorably discharged on August 8, 1946.
He was a member of the Cuba VFW Post No. 7140.
Those who survive to mourn his passing from this life are his loving wife
Geraldine Guffey; two sons William Guffey and wife Judith and Terrence
Guffey; three daughters Michelle Smith and husband Ken, Kathleen Farace and
husband Tim and Dawn Menza and husband Sean; 11 grandchildren; six great
grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.
Private graveside services were held on Friday, February 7, 2003 at the
Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo. Interment was in the
Jefferson National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo. All arrangements were under the
direction of the Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Mo.

Daniel Christopher Gunn
Daniel "Dan" Christopher Gunn of Cuba, Mo. was born on August 25, 1919 in
St. Louis, Mo. to the union of William Henry Gunn and Llillian Pearl (Cook)
Gunn and passed away on February 4, 2003 at Cuba, Mo. at the age of 83
years, 5 months and 9 days.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, William "Budge"
Gunn, one sister Mary Ursula Gunn and cousin Frances Nixon.
Dan was a long time resident of Cuba, Mo.
Those who survive to mourn his passing from this life are his loving sister
Helen Hyacinth Gunn; nieces and nephews, Lillian McCann, Bill Gunn, Bobby
Gunn, Margaret Rousset, Buddy Gunn, Mary Gunn, Christine Durbin, Catherine
Goyette and Winifred Gunn; cousin Wilbur Cook; other relatives and friends.
Dan was a loving brother, uncle, cousin, good friend to all who knew him
and will be sadly missed.
Daniel "Dan" Christopher Gunn was in state at the Britton Funeral Home of
Cuba, Mo. where funeral services were held on Thursday, February 6, 2003 at
2 p.m. with Rev. Paul Lathum officiating. Interment was in the Lea
Cemetery, Leasburg, Mo. All arrangements were under the direction of the
Britton Funeral Home of Cuba, Mo.

Ruth Beatrice Helmering
Ruth Beatrice Helmering, one of seven children of the late Alida (Crow) and
Charles Haffner was born Thursday, January l7, l907, in Denver, Colorado.
She departed this life Monday, February 3, 2003, at Village North Manor
Nursing Home, Florissant, Missouri, at the age of 96 years and l6 days.
Ruth moved to St. Louis at the age of seven. On April 23, l924, she married
Harold Henry Helmering, son of the late Christopher and Elizabeth (Gunther)
Helmering. To this union four children were born; two sons, Laurence
(Larry) and Robert (who died four days after birth), and two daughters,
Betty and Dorothy. Ruth and Harold enjoyed over 62 years together before
his death, January 4, l986.
In April, l929, they moved to a farm south of Steelville, Missouri, with
Harold's father. There they raised thousands of chickens and delivered eggs
to local stores and restaurants. Hundreds of turkeys were dressed for
delivery to Harold's egg customers and others in St. Louis where he worked.
They also raised cattle and sheep. Many a night Ruth threw on her coat and
went to the barn, warm bottle of milk in hand, to feed a newborn calf or
baby lamb. For several years they had a large strawberry field and offered
pick-your-own service.
Ruth was a charter member of the Happy Hour Extension Club and remained an
active member for over 60 years. She was dedicated to the Red Cross, a
member of the board in her county, and donated over l50 pints of blood
(sometimes taking a car full of friends to St. Louis to donate before
mobile units were available). She also donated blood in any state while
traveling with Harold if it was her time to give.
Ruth loved to quilt, winning many blue ribbons for them at the County Fair.
She loved to garden, work crossword puzzles and play endless games of
cards. She was an active member of the Roman Catholic Church helping to
establish St. Michaelís Church in Steelville, Missouri, in l950. She served
on the library board for Crawford County and donated many hours as a ěGray
Ladyî aiding soldiers at Fort Leonard Wood during World War II.
All the relatives and friends enjoyed such good times with her on the farm.
She was always there for everyone, no matter what she was needed for she
found the time to help. Ruth and Harold took each of twelve grandchildren
on a trip through many states when they graduated from grade school,
sometimes three at a time.
Ruth will forever be remembered as an outstanding, loving person for the
way she touched lives with her thoughtfulness, which made her an
inspiration to her family and friends.
In addition to her parents and Harold, an infant son named Robert, a
son-in-law Bill Tanner, brothers and sisters, Milton, Ilma, Mildred,
Marcella, Raymond and Harold preceded her in death.
Among those who remain to mourn her passing are two devoted daughters,
Betty Tanner of Afton, Missouri, Dorothy and husband Leslie Viehman of
Florissant, Missouri, a loving son, Laurence (Larry) Helmering and wife Sue
of Steelville, Missouri; l2 grandchildren Tom Tanner (Teri), Don Tanner
(Kim), Mark Tanner (Lori), Carol Tanner, Mike Viehman (Michele), Chris
(Jerry Smith), Patty (Jim Hotop), Kathy (Tim Dickens) Jim Viehman (Laurie),
Alan Helmering (Karla), David Helmering (Judy), Tim Helmering (Kathy); 24
great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews,
great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Ruth Beatrice Helmering lay in state 3-9 p.m. at Britton Funeral Home in
Steelville, Missouri, on February 5, 2003. Father James Finder gave a
prayer service at 7 p.m. with many friends and relatives attending. Father
encouraged all to speak of their memories of Ruth, and he suggested those
who knew her to take up one of Ruth's causes and follow in her footsteps.
At 11 a.m., Thursday, February 6, 2003, a Requiem Mass was celebrated by
Father Finder at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Cuba, Missouri. Ruth was
laid to rest next to her husband in Holy Cross Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri.
Honoring their grandmother, as pallbearers were Alan, David and Tim
Helmering, Tom, Don and Mark Tanner, Mike and Jim Viehman.
Arrangements were made under the direction of Britton Funeral Home,
Steelville, Missouri.

Thomas Patric Keenan
Thomas Patric Keenan was born Tuesday, March 22, 1966 in St. Charles, Mo.
to Lawrence John Keenan, Jr. and Vera Alice Click Keenan and departed this
life Saturday, February 1, 2003 at his home in Davisville, Mo. at the age
of 36 years, 10 months and 10 days.
Thomas received a certificate from St. Louis Tech School as a mechanic.
Thomas worked as a meat cutter for a few years before becoming disabled. He
achieved his G.E.D. in Adult Education where he earned the highest grade
anyone has achieved in Crawford County.
Thomas married Linda Lynch on March 21, 1987 in St. Louis, Mo., and to this
union four children were born.
Thomas attended a Methodist Church when he was young.
Thomas enjoyed fishing, hunting, and swimming in the river.
Thomas was preceded in death by his grandparents, and infant son Matthew.
Those who remain to mourn his passing are his wife Linda Keenan of
Davisville, Mo.; his children Thomas P. Keenan, Jr., Jennifer Keenan, and
Trisha Keenan; his parents Lawrence and Vera Keenan of Cuba, Mo.; his step
father-in-law Thomas Schumacher.
His brothers Lawrence Keenan and wife Shanda of House Springs, Mo., Michael
Keenan and wife Diana of Cedar Hill, Mo., and his sister Pat Sweeney and
husband Bobby of Cherryville, Mo.
His brother-in-laws Tim Lynch and wife Linda, Trevor Lynch and wife Wanda,
Jack Lynch and wife Kathy; his step-sister-in-law and step brother-in-law
Tammy Schumacher, and Thomas Schumacher; nieces, nephews, cousins, other
relatives and friends, all who will fondly remember and sadly miss Thomas
Patric Keenan.
Memorial service was held Sunday, February 9, 2003 at the Hutson Funeral
Home in Steelville, Mo. with Sister Cindy Martin officiating. All
arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville,
Mo.

Dorothy Ann Moses
Dorothy Ann Moses of St. Louis, Mo., formerly of Cuba, Mo., passed away
January 31, 2003.
Beloved wife of Ralph Moses, loving mother of Cathy Frankum (Barry) and
Fred Moses (Jean).
Dear grandmother of Matt, Julie and Megan Frankum, Daniel, Paul, Lara, Nic
and Beth Moses. Sister of the late Evelyn Niedergerke and the late Vic
Kelley. Our dear sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend.
Mrs. Moses was a Rexall Drug retiree. Funeral services were held from St.
John and James Church in Ferguson on Monday, February 3. Interment was in
Sacred Heart Cemetery.

       ---------
Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the 
Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site.
<http://www.steelvillestar.com/>

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